Efficient Green Logistics In Urban Areas: Milk Run Logistics In The Automotive Industry
Purpose - In this chapter, the potential of Milk Run logistics, a method for consolidating freight, is analysed. Milk Run logistics provides a host of possibilities for consolidating freight transport activities and thus using transport capacity efficiently. It utilizes one vehicle to conduct several pick-ups/deliveries in a round trip, which means that the pick-up/delivery points should be located in a limited area which can be covered in a one-day trip. Findings - Milk Run logistics seems highly beneficial in congested urban environments in developed and developing countries although it may also work in other areas. Furthermore, it can be linked to long-distance logistics, by rail for example, in the national and world-wide network of large companies. Application - Examples for three automotive companies are given: Toyota with its logistic concept for the Bangkok region, Webasto, a supplier of hardtops and other car parts, and Audi, a daughter company of Volkswagen. All of them have introduced green logistics concepts including Milk Runs, which help to reduce CO2, waste material and - last but not least - costs.
It handles predictably, and the sport suspension on the Executive model makes it a bit more responsive. It accommodates two with good space, and four in a pinch, though we wouldn't recommend it for four adults beyond a quick jaunt to the beach on a sunny day. There are at least seven convertibles with lower base prices than the Eos, some substantially so. Some get better mileage; others are roomier, more powerful or more fun to drive in the purist's sense. The Chrysler 200 convertible offers the same sort of folding hardtop for a bit less cash. Yet few if any of those convertibles match the Eos for its overall combination of fun, practicality, security and convenience. The 2012 Volkswagen Eos convertible comes in three trim levels. All are powered by 200-horspower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. And all come with a power-retractable glass-and-steel hard top that folds itself into the trunk.
33,995) has vinyl upholstery, but otherwise comes very well equipped. 37,250) adds leather seating, burl walnut interior trim and even more features, including a GPS navigation system, a power front-passenger seat, park-distance control, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 39,220) upgrades with a firmer sport suspension and 18-inch wheels. Eos Executive also adds a more elaborate navigation system and VW's 600-watt Dynaudio premium sound. 1,185), offered only on the Lux and Executive models. It's essentially a safety package, adding bi-xenon high-intensity headlights that turn with the steering wheel, LED daytime running lights and headlight washers. Safety equipment for all Eos models includes front impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags that protect both head and torso. Standard active safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a tire-pressure monitor. Passenger protection in the Eos is enhanced by an active rollbar system. A stiff steel bar pops up behind the rear seats in a fraction of a second when sensors determine that a serious accident might occur.
The rollbar works like rear roof pillars and, coupled with an extra stiff front windshield frame, helps protect passengers in a rollover. The Volkswagen Eos is conservatively styled, but pleasant enough to look at. Its low-slung design is short and stubby in profile, almost like a toy. Styling updates for 2012 freshen the Eos's appearance without radically changing its familiar lines. The Eos is categorized as a subcompact by the federal government. With its folding hardtop up, the Eos doesn't look anything like a soft-top convertible. Its windshield has a low, sloping rake and, keeping with the coupe theme, the Eos has no middle roof pillars. The rear pillars are narrower than those on a traditional soft-top convertible. The trunk lid is expansive and flat, making room for top stowage underneath. The 2012 Eos styling changes start in front, where a three-bar grille connects re-shaped light clusters. Each grille slat is shiny black and trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. The two-part taillights are re-shaped, too, spanning the trunk lid and rear fenders with LED elements, and no conventional bulbs.
